It Takes a Village

People say: "It takes a village to raise a child." I agree; it does. But I believe there's a trump card that reads something like: "It takes a village to raise a family." Because when you are raising a child, aren't you also raising a family?

Often good things happen at the best times. An anonymous special delivery on your doorstep, a friend that stays after hours to help with a special project, near strangers going out of their way to fulfill a need. The materialism of these gifts are appreciated, yes, but the faith others share is that village raising a family. Sometimes raising a family simply means sharing their burdens and meeting them where they are, while bringing joy and hope when they are lacking.
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Yesterday was Willa's pre-op appointment at Shriners. We met everyone and saw everything that will be "home" for half our family during the next few months. D'Amato answered questions and enlightened us to details of the plan that were apparently on a need-to-know basis (because we need to know them NOW), like being in a supported halo for a few months after her cervical surgery at the end of February (?!!!). We conferenced with an anesthesiologist that left any semblance of humor at the door. Willa was assessed by an occupational therapist and two physical therapists for present levels of mobility and strength. A few others were there to answer any further questions we had, but don't try and fool me, Lady-trying-to-hide-your-nametag, I know what MSW means. And yet, who am I to judge and go on the defense when a social worker is trying to help MY family?

On the upside, Shriners packs a mean coffee/juice/snack cart in the hallways. Santa came bearing gifts and stayed for a long visit in between specialists. We had lunch in the "hospital restaurant" (per Willa... i.e. cafeteria) with dizzying views of Portland. Finally we saw the in-patient floor where Willa played, met the resident teacher, climbed over furniture in the "movie theater," and talked with a preteen in halo traction whose smile was a mile wide.

So this is happening. This is really happening. It's for real now. It's so real that we know Josie and Finley will stay at Matt's parents Sunday night (and the next day), because we have to wash Willa with antimicrobial soap and have her checked in at 6:00am Monday, January 6. We have our list of what to bring, our schedule of who is where during the month of January, and plans to chop Willa's long goldi-locks before her angel halo becomes a semi-permanent accessory. The sitter and preschool both know that tomorrow will be the last day they see Willa for a long time...

This family needs raising up. Raising up doesn't mean pity, sympathy, or overly optimistic sentiments. It means sharing our burden, making us laugh, and loving us. The power of prayer has been in our corner for the past few years, and we're depending on it again. So send some of that good stuff up for us too.